Which of the following are physiological effects of OC?

• A. It causes inflammation, swelling of mucous membranes, and involuntary eye closure.
• B. It causes permanent hearing loss.
• C. It produces a lasting numbness of the skin on hands.
• D. It has no effects on ocular tissues.

Answer: (A)

OC spray causes immediate irritation of mucous membranes and strong ocular effects. When exposure occurs, you typically see inflammation and swelling of mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, along with a reflexive reaction of the eyes—tearing, burning, and often involuntary eye closure to protect themselves. These responses are temporary and result from the local inflammatory and irritant action on surface tissues.

The described effects in the option—inflammation, swelling of mucous membranes, and involuntary eye closure—align with the usual acute physiological response to OC exposure, making this the best match.

Permanent hearing loss isn’t a typical outcome of OC spray exposure, and lasting numbness of the skin on the hands isn’t expected either; OC primarily irritates exposed mucosal and ocular tissues, not causing lasting numbness. Saying there are no effects on ocular tissues is incorrect because OC spray directly irritates and inflames ocular tissues, producing burning, tearing, and protective eye closure. If exposure occurs, rinse with water, avoid rubbing, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.